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BOSSES SAID RISING COSTS FACED BY BUS OPERATORS WERE THE REASON FOR THE RISE IN BUS PASS PRICES 09:22, 30 May 2025 Passengers on buses in the West Midlands are to be hit with hikes of more
than eight per cent on the cost of fares and monthly and annual bus passes. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) announced the increase - which will come into effect from June 15 - on Friday
(May 30), blaming rising costs faced by bus operators. But they said, despite the 8.6 per cent increase, the costs of the passes remain amongst the lowest in the country. READ MORE: CONCERNS
RAISED OVER CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS AT BIRMINGHAM CARE HOME The fare rise follows an independent review, instigated by bus operators, which recommended the 8.6 per cent increase, and
which TfWM was required to introduce. This means the four-week fare, used by those who commute on a daily basis, will go up from £64 to £70 and the monthly direct debit fare rise from £59 to
£64. Article continues below A TfWM spokesperson said these are cheaper than comparable fares in London (£94), Liverpool (£77.10), Manchester (£80) and Nottingham, at £75. The cost of the
day ticket will also increase by 40p to £5.20. Two months ago, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) agreed to continue the £50 million a year funding to support struggling operators
and prevent further reductions in bus services. Earlier this month, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker signed a landmark agreement to bring buses back under public control for the first time
in 40 years. SHOULD BRUMMIES GET A BIN STRIKE COUNCIL TAX REFUND? He said the bus franchising model with enable TfWM and regional leaders to set fares, routes and timetables. Private
operators will bid to run services on behalf of TfWM and this will be introduced in phases from 2027 with the roll out completed during 2029. Matt Lewis, commercial director – bus and
operations, Transport for West Midlands, said: "It is a difficult time for people and money is tight, so we have worked hard with our bus operators to keep these increases to an
absolute minimum and keep our bus services on the road. "This includes continuing the £50 million subsidy this year. As a result, our season tickets, for regular bus users, remain great
value and among the lowest in the country despite this increase. Article continues below "And longer term we are working on the plan to take public control of the network to make sure
our bus services better meet the needs of our people. "This includes the ability to set all service routes, timetables and fares, which we are not currently able to do."